Emotional Intelligence and Youth Leadership

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to research the relationship between emotional intelligence and youth leadership using the international student organisation AIESEC as an example. The construct of emotional intelligence and behavioural competencies have gained increased attention beyond cognitive ability over the last three decades. Such competencies might bear great potential as important driver on the job market. The study at hand hypothesises that engaging in extracurricular activities and gaining leadership experience at young age positively affect students’ perceived level of emotional intelligence. Such an experience may enhance the acquisition and development of essential emotional and social competencies. These, in turn, may give the students a competitive edge on their prospective career paths. In a sample of undergraduate as well as graduate students of AIESEC in Germany behavioural competencies are examined in comparison to a control group using a 360-degree questionnaire. Practical implications as well as limitations are discussed. Moreover, suggestions for future research directions are given in the end.​